Media release from Water NSW
WaterNSW has lifted the blue-green algae Red Alert warning issued on 16 October 2025 for Lake Ainsworth located in Lennox Head. Lake Ainsworth is now at No Alert Level after sampling conducted by Ballina Shire Council.
Water users should be aware of the risks associated with entering any waterway in NSW. These waters are untreated, their quality is unknown, and conditions can change rapidly. Always exercise caution and assess the risks.
All untreated water should be considered unsuitable for potable use. Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins.
Ballina Shire Council will continue routine water quality monitoring and advise of any change as new results are received.
Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water when there is abundant sunlight and sufficient nutrients.
Visit Council's Lake Ainsworth webpage for status update information.
Updates and information about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by visiting waternsw.com.au/algae.
About WaterNSW
WaterNSW operates the state's dams, capturing and storing water, and then supplying it ready for distribution – for the environment, agriculture, industry and the community. With 41 major dams and hundreds of waterways across the state, we play a vital role at the source of the state's water, delivering two thirds of all water used in NSW. We're the people taking care of the state's water at the source – capturing, storing, delivering. Find out more at waternsw.com.au
